Indigenous Events & Awards

On November 16, the City of Toronto recognizes Louis Riel Day. Louis Riel is remembered as a great Métis leader, a founder of confederation, a political and spiritual leader and an advocate for minority rights.

We recognize Louis Riel’s contribution to Métis communities and acknowledge the contributions the Métis make to Toronto. The City is committed to supporting Indigenous communities and to working together toward fulfilling Louis Riel’s vision and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous people.

Read the Louis Riel Day Proclamation.

View a video message from Mayor John Tory about Louis Riel Day.

On June 1, 2021, the Mayor of Toronto, John Tory, will proclaim June as National Indigenous Peoples Month.

National Indigenous Peoples Month is a time to learn, reflect, and celebrate the diversity of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit across Tkaronto and all of Turtle Island.

National Indigenous Peoples Month reminds us to consider the unique needs of the Indigenous peoples in all of the work that we do. We must listen to their voices and stories and partner with them to help guide us in our work moving forward.

Throughout the month, all Canadians can learn about the history of the First Peoples and further embrace the opportunity to learn more about their identities. This month is also a time to celebrate the resilience of all Indigenous peoples, their vibrant and distinct cultures, and their beautiful languages. The City of Toronto encourages all residents to take time to educate themselves about Indigenous histories, strengths, and contributions.

Here are some ways to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Month:

• Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice.
• There are many Indigenous books available at: https://www.cbc.ca/books/35-books-to-read-for-national-indigenous-history-month-1.5585489?gkgkk
• The National Film Board of Canada offers a rich online collection of Indigenous-made films through Indigenous Cinema, a website that provides free streaming of more than 200 film titles.
• Learn more about Indigenous organizations, events and research via the Tkaronto Indigenous Portal https://indigenousto.ca/
• Attend virtual events:
  • June 1 at 12 p.m., free virtual event hosted by the Anishnawbe Health Foundation: Connecting Land-Based Healing & Traditional Medicines at the New Home of Anishnawbe Health Toronto
  • Starting June 9, Toronto History Museums will offer digital programming on Indigenous histories, cuisine, arts and perspectives in collaboration with community partners
  • June 21 at 10 a.m., Mount Dennis Aboriginal Child and Family Centre – Virtual Grand Opening: Register

• Support Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.

Due to ongoing pandemic restrictions, the City of Toronto is planning to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 virtually. Stay tuned for more details!

Watch the 2020 virtual Sunrise Ceremony below.

About Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly National Aboriginal Day)

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD), formerly National Aboriginal Day. This is a day of cultural significance for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

The City of Toronto has been raising the Indigenous flags since before amalgamation in 1998, in 2017 the City had the Indigenous flags permanently installed on Nathan Phillips Square. In the past we have marked the day around a sacred flame, strawberries, water and the use of sage for cleansing followed by the Mayor’s proclamation and presentation to a representative as well as the involvement of treaty partners.